Interstitial cystitis | bladder pain syndrome (IC | BPS )

Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) is a chronic and often debilitating condition characterized by a constellation of symptoms centred around pelvic pain, pressure, or discomfort that is believed to be related to the urinary bladder, and accompanied by other lower urinary tract symptoms such as urgency and frequency. Notoriously challenging to diagnose, IC/BPS presents with symptoms that overlap with other urological, gynaecological, and gastrointestinal disorders, making a thorough and systematic approach to diagnosis essential.

The condition's aetiology is not fully understood, and it is thought to be multifactorial with potential involvement of the urinary epithelium, neural hyperactivity, autoimmune components, and more. The diagnosis is primarily clinical and made by exclusion, as there is no definitive test for IC/BPS. Management strategies are equally diverse, including lifestyle modifications, physical therapy, oral medications, intravesical treatments, and in some cases, surgical interventions.

For primary care clinicians, understanding the varied presentations of IC/BPS and the diagnostic criteria put forth by different organizations—ranging from the European Society for the Study of Interstitial Cystitis (ESSIC) to the American Urological Association (AUA)—is critical for early identification and management of this condition. This brief introduction serves as a gateway to comprehending the complexity of IC/BPS, guiding clinicians in...